cloudy
Alabama Slammer
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2004
- Posts
- 37,997
I realize it's sort of early, but I really want to get this info out there in time for people to be able to help, if they want to.
A HUGE thank you to those that have pitched in the last two years, and done what they could for these people who seem to be forgotten by just about everyone.
Another HUGE thank you to SweetErika, who not only helped by sending gifts, etc., but passed the info on to her mother, who got her entire school involved.
(please help me keep this thread on the front page so it's seen by as many people as possible - thanks! And, please....keep the threadjacking to a minimum
)
**********
There's a Lakota reservation in the Dakotas called Pine Ridge. The people that live there are desperately poor - in fact, it's the poorest county in the United States. Many of the people there have no running water, no electricity, and one of the leading causes of death for their elderly is freezing to death. It's absolutely appalling that people have to live this way in this day and age.
If you could help at all, it is so appreciated. Every little bit helps. I crochet afghans while I watch television, and I've been sending blankets up that way for the past three years (all year long), along with clothing, books, etc. It's not much, only a drop in the bucket actually, but I feel compelled to help in whatever way I can.
There's a group of people that have organized the efforts to help at Friends of Pine Ridge. On the front page of their website there is usually a list of things that are desperately needed, and if you go to the Organizations link, there is a list of the many orgs working there on the reservation, and a list of what each one needs, or in the case of the libraries a "wishlist" of books.
You can send your donations of toys, gifts, clothing, books, blankets, even cash directly to the organization you choose, whether that's the Women's and Children's Shelter, Oglala Sioux Tribe Victims Assistance in Indian Country (VAIC), Wakanyeja Pawicayapi, Inc. (The Children First) - an organization devoted to providing mental health care for Lakota youth ages 0-22, or countless other organizations right there on the reservation that help to alleviate some of the hardships that the people of Pine Ridge face every single day.
Here's what life is like for the Lakota of Pine Ridge:
The Pine Ridge Reservation is considered the poorest in the country. Located south of the Badlands, with its depleted soil, scarce natural resources and harsh climate, 35,000 Americans are forced to live.
This is a vast, nearly treeless land far from industry, cities and resources. Jobs are scarce and often far away. Transportation is a problem.
* The average yearly income is $3,600
* The unemployment rate is 85%.
* Diabetes affects 33% of the population, including children and elderly.
* The average life expectancy is second lowest in the world: 48 for males and 56 for females.
* Freezing is a leading cause of death.
Native Americans have enriched our nation throughout history. The first settlers would not have survived without their help. As a group they have more U.S. military veterans per capita than any other ethnic group in our country.
They are survivors of a profound holocaust that occurred right here in the land of freedom.
In the midst of all this desperation, there is hope. That's where we come in.
Please help if you can. Y'all have always come through for me in the past, and I know you'll come through again.
A HUGE thank you to those that have pitched in the last two years, and done what they could for these people who seem to be forgotten by just about everyone.
Another HUGE thank you to SweetErika, who not only helped by sending gifts, etc., but passed the info on to her mother, who got her entire school involved.
(please help me keep this thread on the front page so it's seen by as many people as possible - thanks! And, please....keep the threadjacking to a minimum
)**********
There's a Lakota reservation in the Dakotas called Pine Ridge. The people that live there are desperately poor - in fact, it's the poorest county in the United States. Many of the people there have no running water, no electricity, and one of the leading causes of death for their elderly is freezing to death. It's absolutely appalling that people have to live this way in this day and age.
If you could help at all, it is so appreciated. Every little bit helps. I crochet afghans while I watch television, and I've been sending blankets up that way for the past three years (all year long), along with clothing, books, etc. It's not much, only a drop in the bucket actually, but I feel compelled to help in whatever way I can.
There's a group of people that have organized the efforts to help at Friends of Pine Ridge. On the front page of their website there is usually a list of things that are desperately needed, and if you go to the Organizations link, there is a list of the many orgs working there on the reservation, and a list of what each one needs, or in the case of the libraries a "wishlist" of books.
You can send your donations of toys, gifts, clothing, books, blankets, even cash directly to the organization you choose, whether that's the Women's and Children's Shelter, Oglala Sioux Tribe Victims Assistance in Indian Country (VAIC), Wakanyeja Pawicayapi, Inc. (The Children First) - an organization devoted to providing mental health care for Lakota youth ages 0-22, or countless other organizations right there on the reservation that help to alleviate some of the hardships that the people of Pine Ridge face every single day.
Here's what life is like for the Lakota of Pine Ridge:
The Pine Ridge Reservation is considered the poorest in the country. Located south of the Badlands, with its depleted soil, scarce natural resources and harsh climate, 35,000 Americans are forced to live.
This is a vast, nearly treeless land far from industry, cities and resources. Jobs are scarce and often far away. Transportation is a problem.
* The average yearly income is $3,600
* The unemployment rate is 85%.
* Diabetes affects 33% of the population, including children and elderly.
* The average life expectancy is second lowest in the world: 48 for males and 56 for females.
* Freezing is a leading cause of death.
Native Americans have enriched our nation throughout history. The first settlers would not have survived without their help. As a group they have more U.S. military veterans per capita than any other ethnic group in our country.
They are survivors of a profound holocaust that occurred right here in the land of freedom.
In the midst of all this desperation, there is hope. That's where we come in.
Please help if you can. Y'all have always come through for me in the past, and I know you'll come through again.
Last edited:
